Black dark

I have some close friends who are going through the darkest and most tragic of times today and I ask you to pray for them. I was thinking the other day about my children and how they have never had anything really bad happen to them in their entire lives. Life has been kind to them so far and their lives have been pretty much been filled with happiness from day one right up until now. Life is no bed of roses and common sense dictates that at some point they will have to experience some trials and no doubt sadness. I have endured many trials, tribulations, sadness and tragedy during my life and dread their having to endure those dark times.

I have always tried my utmost to prepare my children for life. I have taught them all that I know about spiritual matters, family matters, business, and issues that I consider essential to development of their good character. I cannot however adequately prepare them for tragedy, sadness, trials, and tribulations. It seems that nothing someone can say makes much difference. Pain is pain and words do little to relieve it. It is just like hitting your thumb with a hammer. When we do it, intellectually we know it will eventually stop hurting, but nevertheless it HURTS!

My training to my children has been that when dark times come, (and they will surely come in the life of every soul on this planet), they must draw near to God. The Bible unequivocally states that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. When God draws near, His rest and peace come with Him and that will be the only relief that will be available during those dark times but it will be enough and will adequately get them through even the darkest of times.

I have often wondered why God allows tragedy and times of sadness to afflict His beloved children and I have come to the conclusion that we cannot begin to understand God’s wisdom or plan for our lives. We should not waste time trying to figure it out, because it is impossible. We can know though that God has a perfect plan for our lives, and some trials and tribulation are a necessary part of it.

Do not think that God exempted even Himself or His beloved Son Jesus Christ. He watched His own Son Jesus suffer as none other before Him or ever to come. On the eve of His trials and tribulation, Jesus even asked His Father if it would be possible to spare Him the pain and possibly find another way to accomplish his goals without His having to endure such affliction, but importantly He stated that if not, then let His will reign and that should be our approach. We should just accept the bitter with the sweet.

It “rains” on the righteous just like the unjust and Christians should know that they will not escape trials and tribulations just because they are Christians. The one big difference between Christians and non-Christians during these times is that Christians have a Comforter, (the Holy Spirit that resides within us), who cares for us, prays for us constantly even in words that we cannot express or begin to understand, and loves us beyond measure and who will help us get through any crisis. Christians do not have to face the dark times alone.

If you are facing difficult dark times today, turn to God right now wherever you are sitting and ask Him to surround you with His presence, calm your heart, and fill you with His peace. Remember God cannot lie and He has promised that if you draw near to Him, He will do likewise. Slowly the pain will begin to lessen and in time will eventually fade away and smiles will return to replace the tears. Until then stay close to God the Comforter and willingly accept that His will be done in our lives…

Matt.26:39
“O My Father, if it is possible, let this
cup pass from me, nevertheless, not
as I will, but as You will.”